Introduction

 1) p. 1 – 3  Disaster-affected areas in Northeast Japan  
Taken 4 months after the tsunami and earthquake 2011, on our way to visit and perform in Yamada-chō and Kuji. The sign in the image on the right reads "Protect the Sanriku Ocean from Radiation."  ​
Below: Chindon Tsūshinsha performing in a tent for those who have survived the disaster.
2) p. 6 – 7 Sounds & Histories of Chindon-ya  
Hayashi Kōjirō, the troupe leader of Chindon Tsūshinsha in Osaka, introduces himself and the chindon-drums.
3) p. 12 Chindon-ya, 1930-45
Photos of early chindon-ya, circa 1930-45 (courtesy of Hayashi Kōjirō)
Black and white photograph. Nikko Sendensha, Ikuno Ward, Osaka, circa 1940. A chindon-ya troupe prepares, surrounded by children and onlookers.
Nikko Sendensha, Ikuno Ward, Osaka, circa 1940
Black and white photograph; chindon-ya troupe holding parasols while children watch the performance.
Aozora Senden Sha, Osaka, circa 1945. The US occupation prohibited traditional Japanese theatre; the actors thus found jobs in performing on the streets with chindon-ya.
Black and white photograph of Shumei Koogeisha, circa 1960. The performer pulls a woman in an illustrated
Shūmei Koōgeisha. Circa 1960. Kawasakichō, Osaka.
4) p. 13 – 14 Chindon-ya, 1955-1960s
"Chindon-ya Are Prospering" (News reel, 1955)
The weakening small businesses and deflation have led to an unexpected consequence: chindon-ya’s flourishing business. Small businesses relied on chindon-ya's publicity to survive. This troupe in Mizonokuchi, Kawasaki-city, had 40 members at this time.
  • 0:43 Chindon-ya are so busy that they ride motorcycles to arrive their destinations.
  • 0:46 Chindon-ya are so popular and prevalent that some competing troupes run into each other on the streets.
  • 0:59 In addition to doing publicity work, chindon-ya are also in high demand to provide entertainment for business meetings and parties.
  • 1:10 The news concludes with chindon-ya members receiving the day’s salary.


1960's "A Day in the Life of Good Old Chindon-ya"
Another news reel on the same troupe, Kōseikan in Mizonokuchi. At this time the group has 20 members. The narrator uses the phrase "good old chindon-ya,” implying that the perception of chindon-ya is already starting to shift.
  • 0:37 Many members are families, living communally. 
  • 2:04 Shows a unique costume that creates an illusion that a troupe member is piggy-backing on a mannequin—a comedic theatrical performance that was popular around this time. Their clients are a supermarket and pachinko slot machine parlors on this day.
  • 2:37 at 9am two groups leave for the day's work, one for a supermarket and the other for pachinko slot machine parlor.
  • 3:22 Melodious speech at a crossroad, followed by a performance. You see how children are always following the troupe (see chapter 2).
  • 4:56 The film concludes while contrasting the ad balloon of a large department store, with the narrator saying "mass communication has taken over advertisement, but chindon-ya remains popular and effective in neighborhoods."